Stratford Election 2023: Kim Murphy Running For Board Of Education

STRATFORD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and more.

Stratford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Kim Murphy, 54, is running for election to the Stratford Board of Education as a Republican.

Education.

BS degree, Elementary Education

What is your occupation?

30+ years in the Educational field

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Kevin, Husband of 29 years
Kyle, son, 28 yrs old
Keith, son, 25 yrs old, 2nd year Physical Education Teacher
Kerrigan, daughter, 21 yrs old, currently Student Teaching in a 4th grade classroom

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe our children teachers and families deserve more. I want to help monitor, maintain and grow our educational system and make sure that our students are put first. I want to help ensure a safe environment for our students and Staff. I also want to ensure that our tax dollars are being used appropriately.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Student Achievement

Test scores since the pandemic have not increased in comparison to other towns around us. I would like to dive deeper into this and find out why and help to find a solution so that our students benefit and do better. I would also like to dive deeper into the chronic absenteeism issue and help find answers and resources to correct this.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have extensive background in the field. I have been a teacher, director and a trainer in many areas. I have developed curriculum and budgets and implemented them. I have worked for a non profit for many years and have done years of volunteering in that community, the Stratford system as well as at my church, SUMC. My children are no longer in the school system and my dedication to children and my community is what's driving me to be a part of this board. I want to make a difference in my community and help the students, families and teachers now and for many years to come.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way do you believe the current officeholder has failed the community?

I don't believe our tax dollars are being used wisely and I believe important issues are being swept under the rug. I believe the people of Stratford need to have a clearer vision of the issues at hand and how we are going to work towards correcting them.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In addition to student achievement and chronic absenteeism, I would like to help improve the curriculum and resources for our staff. I would like to ensure that our staff and students are safe while in the school environment. I would also like to review and enforce policies. I believe in a strong home school connection and would like to move towards having parents, staff and students working together on the same team. Listen to their voice and have them be a part of decision-making I believe if they have a voice there will be more buy in and we could be more successful.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have an Elementary Education Degree from Central Connecticut State University,
I have 26 years as the Director of Childcare and Youth Programming at the YMCA. Volunteered at many functions throughout those years many of which I chaired.

I taught preschool for 8 years.

A mother of 3 grown children all a product of the Stratford Public Schools,

I was PTA vice president at Nichols, Chaired the Talent Show, Chaired the 6th grade committee and raised funding for the 6th grade banquet.

Co-Chaired the SHSMPA (Stratford High School Music Parents Association) and fundraised for events, activites and their yearly school trip for 7 years

Volunteered at my church to raise funds for the Appalachian Service Project- A mission trip that all my children went on for over 10 years

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Just be yourself, work hard and never burn bridges. Enjoy life to the fullest and get involved!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a hard worker. I research and network. I believe in giving 100% to everything I do and if I am unsure of the situation, problem etc. I don't stop until I have a solution. I surround myself with people who are driven and like minded so that we can work together as a team to conquer the task at hand.

Are you running for office in Stratford? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Stratford Patch.